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Electric question — Parallax Forums

Electric question

John Raplee, JrJohn Raplee, Jr Posts: 32
edited 2006-03-09 21:55 in General Discussion
Hey figured you guys would know best about this question I have.· My laptop has the Euro plug and is ment for 220v,· I will be bringing it back to the States with me in a month for a visit, and was wondering, will any simple euro to usa electric adapter work?

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Comments

  • John R.John R. Posts: 1,376
    edited 2006-03-09 15:16
    A definite maybe...

    The simple plug adapters are just that - plug adapters -

    The do not do any voltage or frequency conversion.

    On the other hand, most computer (and other electronics) are designed for both 120 and 240 volts. Check your power adapter, and make sure it is rated for both 120 and 240 (or 220) volts on the input. If it is, then yes, any of the plug adapters should do the job.

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    John R.

    8 + 8 = 10
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2006-03-09 15:50
    Most laptop PSUs are dual-rated(110/220), but if yours for one reason or another isn't, there's no problem just walking into just about any decent store and buying a generic PSU with adjustable voltage and replaceable tips.

    If so, first look closely at the plug on your machine to see that it has a 'standard' plug, and not something weird.
    Also, be VERY, VERY careful about the polarity of the plug, preferably by measuring the output of the original PSU, and glue or tape the correct plug to the wire.
    Many modern laptops DOES NOT HAVE REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION!
    (I know that my Packard Bell Easynote E1245 definitely didn't have it. And incidentally, this message was written on an Apple iBook... )

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  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2006-03-09 19:11
    If your laptop has the wall power cord (typically 3 ft or so) -> power brick -> cord plugged into the laptop, these configurations have it so the wall power cord can be unplugged from the brick. Check the power brick if it says anything about 120/220V, if it does, all thats required is purchasing a wall power cord acceptable with the wall outlets to whichever country you are in (in this case the US) and plug it into your brick (make sure that the IEC connector (the end that goes into the brick) matches the existing wall power cord, some have a polarized end, some don't and they aren't compatible). There is no need for an aftermarket converter because the brick will already perform the same function.

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    ·1+1=10

    Post Edited (Paul Baker) : 3/9/2006 7:15:57 PM GMT
  • John Raplee, JrJohn Raplee, Jr Posts: 32
    edited 2006-03-09 21:50
    Oh I'm so confused.... LOL... ok on the brick it says "input 100-240v" and it also says its UL and CSA lvl 3 certified... http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/4g.htm would that work? Just a standard grounded end?

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  • John Raplee, JrJohn Raplee, Jr Posts: 32
    edited 2006-03-09 21:55
    OK nevermind, I just realized, the wall power cord that hooks into the brick is the same cord that plugs into a normal power supply in any computer! So I'm set! I'll just use my power cable from my pc at home...

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